Senators file multiple anti-energy Farm Bill amendments

Ethanol Producer Magazine
By Kris Bevill
June 15, 2012

The Senate began its floor debate of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s 2012 Farm Bill, formally titled the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, on June 12 and proceeded to flood the legislation with amendments that would modify various components of the bill. Approximately 10 of those amendments relate to the Energy Title or renewable energy in general and must be defeated, said Lloyd Ritter, co-director of the Agriculture Energy Coalition. Among them, a proposal to defund all energy programs under the Farm Bill, an amendment that would prevent Farm Bill funds from being used for blender pump installations, an amendment to eliminate loan guarantee programs, and multiple amendments that address the renewable fuel standard (RFS).

In the June 13 letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the coalition pointed out the economic contributions already made by the emerging renewable energy industries and said the positive impacts of that sector will continue to grow with Congress’ support. Therefore, the group urged senators to defeat energy program amendments. “Farm Bill energy programs support the emergence of new markets for agriculture, encourage putting underutilized land back into production, incentivize innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and create employment opportunities in rural America,” Ritter said in a statement. “These effective programs are a vital part of the overall Farm Bill and provide a strong return for American taxpayers.”

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